Ice melter

ABSTRACT

Ice melting apparatus having an elongated vertically disposed body member with a melting head at the lower end which is heated by a flame to melt the ice. The heat is concentrated near or within the melting head and exhaust gases are expelled through an exhaust passage. The generated heat melts a hole in the ice conforming generally to the configuration of the melting head which in most cases is circular.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a divisional application of patentapplication Ser. No. 09/628,886, filed Jul. 31, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,439,224, which is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser.No. 09/415,659 filed Oct. 12, 1999, abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to apparatus for forming a hole in ice and moreparticularly for such apparatus to be used by ice fisherman for formingand maintaining a hole in the ice covering a body of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the unpleasant problems confronting an ice fisherman is theformation of a hole in the ice which can be difficult to accomplishparticularly when the ice is thick. The use of hand implements such asaxes, chisels, augers, and ice drills not only requires a great amountof physical exertion, but rarely result in satisfactory openings. Poweraugers require physical exertion in starting and operation, can bedangerous to operate and contribute to the pollution of the water andair. All such tools require regular maintenance in order to keep theblades sharp. Additionally, all of these ice cutting methods areundesirable because of the resultant particles or ice swarf that isdeposited in and around the hole that is formed.

There is a need for an apparatus to form a hole in the ice with aminimum of effort, pollution and without the formation of particles ofice in and around the hole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for formingholes in the ice in which the apparatus is easily transported andoperated.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for formingholes in ice by melting the ice through the use of heat in the form of aflame.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus formelting a hole in the ice which uses apparatus having a heating sourceutilizing a commonly available source of fuel.

The objects of the invention are attained by an ice melting apparatusthat has a body member which is held vertically with a lower end ormelting head placed in contact with the top surface of a layer of ice.The lower end of the body member is heated to melt through the ice byway of a fuel and air passage which extends longitudinally of the bodymember with a gas burner that is preferably at or near the lower end orin the ice melting head so that flames are formed near where the heat isdesired. Exhaust gases are directed upwardly through an exhaust passageand then outwardly away from the operator. In a first embodiment of theinvention the melting head is generally annular and melts the ice on theperimeter of the hole leaving some ice in the center which can beremoved easily. In a further embodiment the melting head presents acontinuous, nonannular surface which melts the ice completely in thedesired hole. The shape of the ice melting surface can be conical,spherical, elliptical, flat, or any other applicable shape, andadditionally may have grooves, fins or a projecting tip portion.Internal devices such as baffles and heat sinks can be used in the icemelting head to increase efficiency. In additional embodiments theapparatus is disclose as including: a combination fuel/air supply line,a flame ignition system; at least one arm to prevent the apparatus fromfalling through the hole formed in the ice; at least one handle forgrasping the apparatus; and, waterproof thermal insulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionshown together with a fuel supply;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of the upper portion of the icemelting apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken longitudinally of the structurein FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevation of still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken longitudinally of the structurein FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of theinvention showing a concentric arrangement of a fuel supply tube withinan air supply tube;

FIG. 8. is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of theinvention showing exhaust ports and means of preventing the apparatusfrom falling through the ice;

FIG. 9. is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 10. is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of theinvention showing waterproof insulation mounted on the side of theapparatus; and,

FIG. 11. is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of theinvention showing the use of an igniter for the torch.

FIG. 12. is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of theinvention showing a reduced exhaust area.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of theinvention showing a t-shaped burner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the invention isdesignated generally at 10 and includes an elongated body member 12formed by a pair of generally parallel tubes 14 and 16. The body member12 is disposed generally vertically and the lower end of the tubes 14and 16 are connected to a melting head 18 having a substantially annularconfiguration extending in a horizontal plane to one side of the lowerend of the body member 12. Preferably, the melting head is circular,however, it is understood that it may be constructed in a variety ofconfigurations including: flat, oval and rectangular. Thus, while acircular shaped ice hole is preferred, other designs may also be meltedthough the ice based upon the shape of the melting head.

The tubes 14 and 16 and melting head 18 form a continuous passageextending from the upper end 20 of tube 14 which acts as a supplypassage, through the annular melting head 18 and through the exhausttube 16 which acts as an exhaust passage. An upper end 22 of tube 16 isbent outwardly to divert exhaust gases away from the operator. Thoughthe preferred embodiment of the present invention has two tubes 14 and16, it will be apparent from this disclosure to those skilled in theart, that one tube may be used, or a multitude of tubes connected bymeans well known in the art may be used for this purpose. In such anembodiment, the connection means must also be resistant to temperaturechanges and leakproof when submerged in water.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure, that tubing of various cross-sectional shapes may be used.The efficiency and strength of the present invention could be altered bythe variation of the cross-sectional shape and size of these tubes.

Preferably, the tubes 14 and 16 and the melting head 18 are formed ofheat resistant metal such as stainless steel, steel, copper, aluminum orbrass. Any and all joints should be heat resistant and leakproof whensubmerged in water.

The lower end 20 of tube 14 is provided with a gas burner or torch 24which is mounted axially of the lower end of tube 14. The upper end oftorch 24 is connected by a flexible hose indicated at 28 to a fuelsupply tank 30. Alternatively, the hose may be a rigid pipe such as acopper tube. The fuel can be of a type commonly available and used inother applications and accessories commonly used by ice fisherman suchas torches, lanterns, stoves and heaters. Among such fuels are propane,butane, LPG, acetylene, pressurized white gasoline, ethylene or anyvolatile hydrocarbon.

The apparatus is used by igniting the torch 24 which is under thecontrol of a valve 32 disposed between the fuel supply tank 30 and thetorch 24. The air and fuel can arrive at the torch 24 separately ormixed and is ignited near the bottom of the tube 14 and near or in themelting head. The touch can be ignited while inside the tube 14 oroutside the tube 14 followed by insertion into tube 14. The ignited airand fuel in tube 14 is directed sidewardly through the annular meltinghead 18. The flame heats the head 18 which rests on the ice. The upperend of apparatus 10 is guided manually by the use of heat insulatedhandles 34 formed on the upper ends 20 of tube 14 and on exhaustextension 22 on the upper end of tube 16.

The heating of head 18 continues with exhaust gases passing through thetube 16 and the exhaust extension 22. If desired the exhaust gases canbe diverted to heat other devices or enclosures.

In use, the burner 24 is adjusted to emit fuel which is ignited tocreate a flame to heat the melting head 18. The melting head 18 isplaced in a selected location on the ice. The hot melting head tends tomelt the ice and to form a hole having a shape conforming to the outerconfiguration of the melting head 18.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a further embodiment of the invention isdesignated generally at 10 a and includes an elongated body member 12 aformed by a pair of generally parallel tubes 14 a and 16 a. The bodymember 12 a is disposed generally vertically and the lower end of thetubes 14 a and 16 a are connected to a melting head 18 a having asubstantially annular configuration extending in a horizontal plane toone side of the lower end of the body member 12 a. This embodiment issimilar to that shown in FIG. 1 with the exception that it is upper end21 a, rather than the lower end 20, of tube 14 a that includes a gasburner or torch 24. In operation, the ignited air and fuel in theheating passage or supply tube 14 is directed downwardly through thetube and into the annular melting head 18.

As seen in FIGS. 3-11 the shape of the melting head can conical,elliptical, hemispherical, truncated, conical, flat, or essentially anyother applicable shape. A projecting tip, grooves or fins may also beprovided on the melting head to more efficiently heat and melt the ice.Additionally, the melting head may have baffles or heat sinks to improvethe overall efficiency of the present invention. As will be shown,supplies of fuel and air may be combined into a single line or remainseparate prior to combustion. Igniters such as piezoelectric or batterygenerated sparks, pilot lights or catalytic elements may also be usedwhether the torch is ignited inside or outside the apparatus. Theignited fuel can be of a type commonly available and used in otherapplications and accessories commonly used by ice fisherman such astorches, lanterns, stoves and heaters. Again, among such fuels arepropane, butane, LPG, acetylene and pressurized white gasoline, ethyleneor any volatile hydrocarbon. Preferably, these embodiments are alsoconstructed of heat-resistant metal such as stainless steel, steel,copper, aluminum or brass. Furthermore, all joints should be heatresistant and leakproof when submerged in water. The resultant hole isfree of ice particles and is easily maintained in an ice free conditionby repeating the heating and melting process when needed. Each of theseadvancements may be used alone or in combination with the variousembodiments of the present invention.

Another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in whichthe ice melting apparatus 40 has a cylindrical body member or housing 42closed at its lower end by a conical melting head 44. The interior ofthe cylindrical housing 42 is provided with a longitudinally extendingbaffle 46 which extends for substantially the full length of the housingand divides the interior into a fuel and air supply passage 48 and anexhaust passage 50. The baffle 46 has a lower end portion 52 which isbent to one side to divert fuel and air flow at the lower end of passage48 such that the flame tends to begin at this point and is concentratedat the melting head 44. The upper end of the baffle 46 is provided withan end portion 54 the is bent opposite to the lower end 52 and divertsexhaust gases away from the upper end of the cylinder 42 and from theoperator of the apparatus.

A torch or burner 24 of the same type as that used with the embodimentshown in FIG. 1 can be mounted at the upper end of cylinder 42 in theentrance to passage 48, the torch can be connected to a source of fuelas shown in FIG. 1. Insulated handles 56 may be provided at the upperend of the body member 42 to assist in maintaining the device 40 in avertical position.

In use, the housing 42 is held vertically and the melting head 44 isplaced in a selected location with the apex of the cone shaped head 44on the ice. After the flame is formed to heat the melting head 44, theice is melted and a hole is formed having a circular configurationgenerally conforming to the cylindrical housing 42.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 inwhich the ice melting apparatus 70 includes a melting head 72. Themelting head has a semi-spherical lower wall 74 for contacting the ice.Preferably, the upper portion of the semi-sphere is closed by a flat,horizontal wall 76. A first tube forms a fuel and air supply passage 78.A second tube forms an exhaust passage 80 extending generally parallelto each other. The lower ends of the tubes are rigidly connected to wall76 to communicate with the chamber 82 formed in the interior of themelting head 72. The tubes forming the passages 78 and 80 form a bodymember which extends generally vertically during use.

The fuel and air passage 78 can be provided with a burner 24 in the samemanner as shown in FIG. 1. Insulated handles 34 can also be provided inthe same manner as in the version shown in FIG. 1.

In use, the apparatus 70 is supported vertically with the lower wall 74resting on the ice. The fuel is ignited and the resultant flame isconcentrated to heat the melting head 72. As the ice is heated andmelted, the apparatus 70 moves downwardly to form a hole having agenerally round configuration conforming to the shape of the upperportion of the melting head 72.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 7, in which the icemelting apparatus 82 has a cylindrical body member or housing 84 that isclosed at its lower end 86 by a substantially planer melting head 88. Atop cap 90 is preferably removably affixed to the upper end 92 of thehousing 84 and defines a central air intake opening 94. Alternatively,the top cap 90 may be constructed as part of the housing or otherwisepermanently fixed to the housing 84. Preferably, a tube that serves asan air passage 96 extends longitudinally downward from the opening 94for substantially the full length of the housing 84. A tubular fuelsupply line 98 having a diameter less than that of the opening 94 andair passage 96 extends downwardly into the air passage and includes afuel nozzle 100 at its lower end. Preferably, the fuel line 98 is arigid metal tube and is removably mounted to the air passage 96.However, it is expected that flexible tubing may also be used or thatthe line 98 may be mounted to the cap 90.

In use, the apparatus 82 is held vertically and the melting head 88 isplaced in a selected location on the ice. Alternatively, a holder 101may be adapted to secure the apparatus 82 in a substantially verticalposition on the ice. Preferably, the holder 101 comprises a cylinder 103have a flange 105, or alternatively a plurality of legs, radiallymounted to its base. In operation, the apparatus 82 is placed in anupright position within the cylinder and permitted to melt through theice surface. Handles, top cab 90 or similar objects project from theapparatus 82 acts to prevent submersion of the apparatus below thesurface of the ice. It is anticipated that the holder 101 may beconstructed of various shapes (i.e., square, rectangular, oval, etc.)and adapted for use with any of the embodiments of the presentinvention. The holder 101 has the advantage of permitting the user toperform other tasks while a hole is melted through the ice.

After a flame 102 is formed to heat the melting head, the ice is meltedand a hole is formed having a circular configuration generallyconforming to the cylindrical housing. The flame 102 is under thecontrol of a valve 104 disposed between a fuel supply tank and the flame102. Exhaust from the flame 102 circulates upwardly through the exhaustpassage 106 that concentrically surrounds the air passage 96 and exitsthe housing through at least one exhaust vent 108 defined by the upperend of the housing 84 and the top portion 90.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 8, in which the icemelting apparatus 110 has a cylindrical body member or housing 112 thatis closed at the lower end 114 by a conical melting head 116. A combinedfuel and air passage 118 is mounted to the housing 112 through a topportion 120. The passage 118 extends downwardly from the top portion 120for substantially the full length of the housing 112. At least oneexhaust port 122 is defined in the upper end 124 of the housing 112 totransmit hot exhaust from the exhaust passage 126. Preferably, at leastone arm 128, such as a disc extending radially outwardly from thehousing 112, is affixed to the exterior of the housing 112 to preventthe apparatus from falling through the hole that is melted into the ice.Alternatively, at least one or a plurality of arms may extend outwardlyfrom the exterior of the housing 112. Preferably, the arms are disposedbelow the exhaust port 122 to prevent water from entering the interiorof the housing 112.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 9, in which the icemelting apparatus 130 has a cylindrical body member or housing 132 thatis closed at its lower end 134 by a substantially planar melting head136. Alternatively, the melting head may be provided with a tip portion138 that assists in positioning the apparatus 130 on the ice.

The interior of the cylindrical housing 132 is provided with alongitudinally extending baffle 140 which extends for substantially thefull length of the cylinder and divides the latter into a supply passage142, including a combined fuel and air passage 144 and an exhaustpassage 146. The baffle 140 has a lower end portion 148 which is bent toone side. The passage 144 extends through the end 148 so that the flamefrom the burner is concentrated at the melting head 136. The upper end150 of the baffle 140 is provided with an end portion 152 bent oppositeto end 148 to divert exhaust gases away from the upper end of thecylinder 42 and from the operator of the apparatus.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 10, in which theice melting apparatus 160 has a cylindrical body member or housing 162that includes a melting head 164. The melting head has a semi-sphericallower wall 166 for contacting the ice. The upper portion of thesemi-spherical wall is enclosed by a flat horizontal wall 168. A side170 of the upper end 172 of the housing 160 extends and is bent towardthe opposite wall 174 to divert exhaust gases away from the operator ofthe apparatus 160. A fuel air supply tube 176 is mounted through thebent portion of the side 170 and extends downwardly through the interiorof the housing 160 for substantially the full length of the cylinder.Preferably, waterproof insulation 162 is disposed on the sides of theapparatus to minimize heat from the flame from being transmitted throughthe walls of the housing 160. This insulation has the benefit ofimparting a more cylindrical shape to the hole as it is formed in theice.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 11 in which theapparatus 180 includes a melting head 182. The melting head 182 has asubstantially planar surface that includes a tip portion 184 to assistin positioning the apparatus 180 on the ice. The upper portion 186 ofthe melting head 182 is closed by a flat, horizontal wall 188. A tubeforms air supply passage 190. A fuel supply line 192 having a diameterless than that of the air passage 190 extends downwardly through thepassage 190 and includes a fuel nozzle 196. Another tube forms anexhaust passage 194 that extends upwardly from the melting head 182 andgenerally parallels the air passage 190. The air and exhaust passages190, 194, in combination with the melting head 182, form a body memberwhich extends generally vertically during use.

In use, the apparatus 180 is supported vertically with the planarsurface resting on the ice. A fuel ignition system, such aspiezoelectric or battery generated sparks, pilot lights or catalyticelements, is disposed in the air passage 190 proximate the end of thefuel supply line 194 to ignite the fuel and create a flame 102. Once thefuel is ignited, the resultant flame is concentrated to heat the meltinghead 182. As the ice is heated and melted, the apparatus 180 movesdownwardly to form a hole having a generally round configurationconforming to the shape of the upper portion of the melting head 182.

Apparatus for forming a hole in ice by melting has been provided inwhich a gas-fueled flame is used to heat a melting head placed incontact with the ice to form a hole conforming to the shape of themelting head which generally is circular. The hole formed is free ofswarf and it is formed without the need for physical strength on thepart of the operator. Though not illustrated in the accompanyingfigures, handles may be provided to make the use of the presentinvention more comfortable.

Referring now to FIG. 12 there is shown a further embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the walls 210 of the housing 212 extendinwardly from the melting head 214. This arrangement has the advantageof restricting exhaust flow and tapping additional heat in the meltinghead 214. A further advantage of this embodiment is that the reducedarea of the housing decreases the buoyancy of the housing 212 andpermits the apparatus to remain on the ice surface (instead of floatingon the melted water) as the ice is melted.

Referring now to FIG. 13 there is shown a further embodiment of thepresent invention including an elongated body member 220 formed by apair of generally parallel tubes 222 and 224. The body member 220 isdisposed generally vertically and the lower end of the tubes 222 and 224are connected at diametrically opposed points to a melting head 226having a substantially annular configuration extending in a horizontalplane to one side of the lower end of the body member 12. A burner 228is mounted at the lower end of the tube 222 such that burning fuel isdirected in both to the left and right around the two halves of themelting head 226 to reach the tube 224. The exhaust from the burner thenexits the body member 220 via tube 224. Alternatively, a second burnermay be disposed in the tube 224 and a plurality of exhaust tubes may beconfigured to extend upwardly from the melting head 226.

Having described my invention, however, many modifications thereto willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains withoutdeviation from the spirit of the invention. For example, it will beobvious to those skilled in the art to surround the device of thepresent invention, or parts thereof, with insulation to prevent heatloss and thus make the present invention more efficient.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for forming an opening in icecovering a body of water, comprising: a body member adapted to besupported in a vertical position, said body member including a meltinghead, a supply passage and an exhaust passage that is apart from saidsupply passage, said melting head having an interior chamber, saidsupply passage being secured to said melting head and adapted tocommunicate with said interior chamber, said exhaust passage beingsecured to and extending away from said melting head and being adaptedto communicate with said interior chamber; and a burner positionedwithin said supply passage, said burner generating heated gas that iscommunicated from said supply passage into said interior chamber andaway from said interior chamber through said exhaust passage, saidmelting head concentrating said heat gas from said burner.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein an upper portion of said exhaust passageextends radially outward.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein heatresistant handles are formed on said supply passage and said exhaustpassage.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein heat resistant handles areformed on said supply passage and said exhaust passage.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein said melting head has a configuration conforming tothe size of the opening to be formed in the ice.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said melting head has a semi-spherical wall forcontacting the ice.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said supplypassage and said exhaust passage are positioned at opposing points ofsaid lower end.
 8. An apparatus for forming an opening in ice covering abody of water, comprising: a body member adapted to be supported in avertical position, said body member including a melting head, a supplypassage and an exhaust passage that is apart from said supply passage,said supply passage and exhaust passage having heat resistant handles,said melting head having an interior chamber, said supply passage beingsecured to said melting head and adapted to communicate with saidinterior chamber, said exhaust passage being secured to and extendingaway from said melting head with at least a portion of said exhaustpassage being parallel to said supply passage, having an upper portionthat extends radially outward and being adapted to communicate with saidinterior chamber; and a burner positioned within said supply passage,said burner generating heated gas that is communicated from said supplypassage into said interior chamber and away from said interior chamberthrough said exhaust passage, said melting head concentrating heated gasfrom said burner.
 9. An apparatus for forming an opening in ice coveringa body of water, comprising: a body member adapted to be supported in avertical position, said body member including a melting head, a supplypassage and an exhaust passage that is spaced apart from said supplypassage, said melting head having an interior chamber and having aconfiguration conforming to the size of the opening to be formed in theice, said supply passage being secured to said melting head and adaptedto communicate with said interior chamber, said exhaust passage beingsecured to and extending away from said melting head and adapted tocommunicate with said interior chamber and a portion of said exhaustpassage being parallel to said supply passage; and a burner positionedwithin said supply passage, said burner generating heated gas that iscommunicated from said supply passage into said interior chamber andaway from said interior chamber through said exhaust passage, saidmelting head concentrating said heat gas from said burner.